Challow & Childrey CC

In May of this year, I am planning to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats (unsupported) in 12 days to raise money for the Cri Du Chat Syndrome Support Group (Charity No: 1044942).

It feels slightly strange to be taking two weeks out during the season but as I am not troubling the scorers much these days and I can leave the U13’s in capable hands, I’m hoping people will forgive me for having a crack at the ride.

The charity provides support and information for parents, families and carers of those living with Cri Du Chat and raises awareness of the syndrome amongst the medical profession. It is actively involved in raising funds to promote and provide research into the Syndrome.
Cri Du Chat Syndrome is a chromosomal deletion disorder (also known as 5p-, as the condition is caused by a deletion on the 5th chromosome) which causes severe disability. Children born with Cri Du Chat experience developmental delay in early childhood and have lifelong learning, physical, speech and language difficulties.

My connection with this condition is a chance one after my daughter Harriet spent time in the John Radcliffe Special Care Baby Unit when she was born. The family of the little boy next to her, Matias, were trying to come to terms with his diagnosis of Cri Du Chat Syndrome. Since that time, Matias and his family have never been far from my thoughts and this combined with a life-long ambition to cycle the length of Britain has resulted in this challenge. My desire is not only to raise much needed funds for the group but also awareness of the syndrome.

Matias’ dad Damian, along with friends from the charity, will also be joining me on some of the legs. Whilst they have a huge will to take part in the complete challenge, their caring responsibilities do not allow this. This highlights the life changing nature of this condition for carer’s and the profound impact it has on their lives.

I do not have a target amount in mind, I just want to raise as much as possible. If you are able to sponsor me I would be very grateful; there are a number of ways to do this:

• Text PCOX99 £xx to 70070 (amounts of £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10 – please take a moment to complete the Gift Aid form too)

• My Just Giving page http://www.justgiving.com/philslejog2012


• Donate in person

• Gather up all your 5p’s and put them in the jar on the bar

• Organise a game of Spoof after a match and donate the winnings (speak to someone old like Stef for the rules, have a few beers first though)

I am planning a couple of events leading up to the ride, you can find out what’s happening by:

• Liking the FB Group http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/251036831626179/

• Reading my blog http://philslejog2012.blogspot.com/

Nearly all of the planning has been completed, the next four months are about training, good nutrition and fundraising. Obviously the first two on this list are down to me but you can help with the third by sharing anything you see on Face Book, spreading the word via e mail (I have a profile in .pdf form for this purpose) and generally talking the ride up for me. Just get in contact if you have any ideas.

I appreciate that there are many good causes out there and that we are regularly asked for charity donations however, if you can spare some cash you will make me and the CDC very happy!

If you are able to support this challenge in any way please get in touch. I and the charity would be immensely grateful. In particular, it would be great to have some commercial sponsors….

For more information on Cri Du Chat please visit the Charity’s website at www.criduchat.org.uk

Finally, may I wish the club a successful 2012; we have some great prospects amongst the youngsters and the potential do well in the senior sides. I’m looking forward to many sunny days and memorable victories!

Best wishes

Phil Cox
07855 367051 philcox1@btinternet.com